Video Editing Jobs: What They Involve & How to Find Work | Freelance & Side Hustle Guide

"I'm interested in video editing, but what does the job actually involve?" "Where can I find video editing jobs and projects?" — For those with these questions, this article covers everything from what video editing work entails to how to find jobs and gigs, and how to get started as a freelancer or side hustler.

The video advertising market continues to expand year after year, and demand for video editors is expected to keep growing. It's a field that newcomers can enter once they develop the necessary skills, so read on for useful guidance.

What Does Video Editing Work Involve?

Video editing is the job of processing and refining raw footage into a finished product that meets a client's needs. Beyond traditional TV programs and commercials, the field now spans YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and other social media videos, corporate promotional videos, recruitment videos, and training videos.

A typical workflow starts with a client hearing to understand the video's purpose and desired feel. This is followed by planning and structuring, then the editing process: footage selection, cutting, subtitling, BGM and sound effects, color grading, and visual effects. After editing, the client reviews the work, revisions are made, and the final product is delivered.

Depending on the project, editors may also handle planning, filming, thumbnail creation, and SNS management. The broader your skill set, the higher the demand.

Types of Video Editing Work

Video editing work comes in many forms. Here are the main project types that freelancers and side hustlers commonly take on.

YouTube channel editing is the most common project type. Editors are hired by YouTubers and influencers, and these tend to become recurring jobs, providing stable income. Rates are typically ¥5,000–¥15,000 per video, with exclusive contracts potentially worth ¥200,000–¥300,000 per month.

SNS short-form video editing is rapidly growing. Demand for TikTok and Instagram Reels is surging, with rates of a few thousand to ¥10,000 per video. The quick turnaround makes it well suited for side work.

Corporate promotional and advertising videos command higher rates — tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of yen per video. This category includes branding videos, product showcases, recruitment videos, and training videos. Wedding and event videos also remain a popular niche.

Essential Skills and Tools

Starting in video editing requires several core skills: cutting, subtitling, BGM and sound effects, and color correction. These are developed through mastering video editing software.

The industry-standard tools are Adobe Premiere Pro and Adobe After Effects. Premiere Pro excels at basic tasks like cutting, subtitles, and audio adjustments, while After Effects is strong in motion graphics and visual effects. DaVinci Resolve is popular for its powerful free version, and Final Cut Pro is favored by Mac users.